Earl Howard Clements

E. Howard Clements, age 92, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at his residency at the Coventry. Howard was born in Los Angeles , California on February 3, 1924 to Thomas Earl and Anna Ivins Snow. Howard grew up in a loving home surrounded by his favorite people, his brothers and sisters. Howard’s father, Thomas, was the main dentist in Park City, Utah for 20 years, then in Salt Lake for another 20 years.

Howard married Beth Wilde on March 7, 1942. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple ten years later. In Howard’s words, he says of Beth, “Beth made heaven on earth for me.” “Beth Wilde, your very own Marmee, was my first and only girlfriend. She was and is my sweetheart and eternal companion. We loved each other for 74 years- dated 3 years, married 71 years.”

Howard graduated from Park City high school in 1942. He immediately went into the army as a private. By the end of the war he attended officers training school and exited as a 2nd lt. Howard landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-day. Howard told his family stories of walking across Europe toward Germany. He was an infantryman on a half-track in Patton’s Third army. This experience cemented Howard’s love of country which endured his entire life.

After Howard returned from the war, he went back to school at the University of Utah. He was so proud that he had graduated with his brother Blaine and sister Betty Lou on the same day. He went on to the University of Missouri in Kansas City and graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Howard practiced dentistry in Holladay, Utah for over 30 years. He served as the president of the Utah Dental Society.

Howard loved his children and 13 grandchildren, 41 great and great-great grandchildren and was affectionately known as as “PAPA” to all.

Howard loved people. He had countless friends and associates that meant the world to him. In his words, “My life is a Miracle” and “I choose to be happy!”

Howard is proceeded in death by his eternal love Beth, his parents, his oldest son, Jack, sister- Jean and (Cal) Calvert, brother-Roger.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Betsy), sons Steven (Sue), Scott (Patti) and Kris, Jack’s widow.

Services will be held on Monday, September 26, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the “Pagoda” LDS chapel on 4500 south 2700 East. A viewing will begin at 11:30 am preceding the service. A viewing on Sunday, September 25, 2016 from 6-8 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive. Interment will also be at Wasatch Lawn.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Moran Eye Center or Church Perpetual Education Fund.

The family would like to express appreciation to the staff and management of the Coventry for their love and care of Howard over the past 4 years. Also Larry Dixion of the VA for his friendship and kindness.